X Rated

Released in 2011, X Rated served as Excision's debut full-length studio album and solidified his position as a leader in the North American dubstep movement. While his earlier work and Shambhala mixes had already established his reputation for heavy bass, this album provided a cohesive, high-production-value statement of intent. The project features collaborations with notable figures like Messinian, Downlink, and Datsik, showcasing the tight-knit community of the 'Rottun Recordings' era. Sonically, the album moved away from the sparse, atmospheric roots of dubstep toward a more 'maximalist' approach, incorporating elements of electro house and industrial music. Critics and fans alike noted the album's 'chainsaw' bass sounds and its influence on the 'stadium dubstep' sound that would dominate US festivals for the following years. It remains a foundational text for the 'bass head' subculture, representing the transition of dubstep into a high-octane, commercial powerhouse.